India stands out as the origin of the largest number of international migrants worldwide, with substantial diasporas residing in countries like the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Saudi Arabia
India became the first country globally to surpass $100 billion in remittances in 2022, according to media reports which quoted sources from competent authorities.
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in its World Migration Report 2024 said, India’s remittances surged to an impressive $111 billion last year, outstripping all other nations.
The report highlights India’s commanding position in the realm of remittances, with Mexico, China, the Philippines, and France trailing behind as the top five recipients in 2022.
India’s dominance in remittance inflows has been on a steady ascent over the years, with the report tracing its lead in remittance receipts back to 2010 ($53.48 billion), 2015 ($68.91 billion), and 2020 ($83.15 billion), culminating in the monumental $111.22 billion figure in 2022.
Southern Asia, bolstered by a substantial migrant worker population, continues to draw some of the highest remittance inflows globally. Pakistan and Bangladesh also feature among the top ten recipients, underscoring the significance of labor migration from this subregion.
The International Organisation for Migration report also underscores Asia’s role as a significant source of internationally mobile students, with China leading in outbound student mobility. The United States, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada remain favored destinations for international students, further enriching global migration patterns and dynamics
Despite being a significant source of emigrants, India also attracts immigrants, ranking 13th globally as a destination country for international migrants. Notably, India stands out as the origin of the largest number of international migrants worldwide, with substantial diasporas residing in countries like the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.
The report sheds light on the challenges faced by migrant workers from Southern Asia, including financial exploitation, exorbitant migration costs leading to crippling debt, xenophobia, and workplace abuses.
The Gulf States remain crucial destinations for migrant workers, particularly from India, Egypt, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya, employed across various sectors such as construction, hospitality, security, domestic work, and retail.
Furthermore, the report highlights Mexico’s ascendancy as the second-largest recipient of international remittances, surpassing China, which historically held that position. China’s dwindling remittance inflows were attributed to demographic shifts and its stringent zero-COVID policy, which curtailed overseas work opportunities.
The report also underscores Asia’s role as a significant source of internationally mobile students, with China leading in outbound student mobility. The United States, the UK, Australia, Germany, and Canada remain favored destinations for international students, further enriching global migration patterns and dynamics.
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